Suicide Attackers Strike Election Office Near Candidate's Kabul Home

Afghan security forces near the scene in Kabul where militants on March 25 attacked an office of the electoral commission, also near the residence of presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani

At least four people are dead after a suicide attack on an election commission office in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

A police official said the March 25 attack began with two suicide bombers whose explosions opened the way for five gunmen to enter the office.

Police surrounded the building and a shoot-out ensued.

In the end, two police officers, one provincial candidate, and an office worker died in the violence.

The five militants were killed by security forces.

The attack occurred close to the home of presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani.

Ghani reportedly was not at home at the time and has since communicated via social media.
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Ghani is a former World Bank official and Afghan finance minister.

The Taliban, which has vowed to disrupt Afghanistan's April 5 presidential election, claimed responsibility.

In a tweet sent after the incident, Ghani said he had just arrived in Gardez, south of Kabul, for a campaign rally.
Separately, three suicide bombers entered a branch of Kabulbank, one of Afghanistan's biggest banks, in eastern Kunar Province, killing at least three security guards.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP